Olivia Gaines Takes the Helm at NCCU
North Carolina Central University announced today that Olivia Gaines has been hired as the new head coach of its women's basketball program, tapping a coach whose career has been defined by rapid development and a relentless, fast‑break style.
Gaines arrives after stints that included guiding Allen University to consecutive winning seasons, engineering a 29‑3 campaign at Richard Bland College that reached the NJCAA national championship game, and leading USC Salkehatchie to a 20‑2 record and a Region 10 title that earned her Coach of the Year honors.
A Philosophy of Connection and Aggressive Play
The coach, who played under Dawn Staley during her own collegiate years, says her philosophy centers on building deep relationships with players while imposing an aggressive, up‑tempo offense that pressures opponents from the outset.
She inherits a squad that finished the previous season with a 9‑20 record, but Gaines is confident that the blend of her relationship‑focused approach and disciplined execution can spark a swift turnaround for the Eagles.